Mentors

I had a pre-service teacher observe my classroom for a couple hours this morning. I didn’t have anything very special planned today: we were previewing the next unit and wrapping up our current unit before fall break begins later this week.

At the end of the day, he came by my room to thank me for allowing him to observe (as if it was any extra work on my part). Then he said he felt the spark for teaching ignite again when he was watching my classes today. “I haven’t felt like this in a while. But you helped me remember why I want to do this.”

I was speechless. It was such an ordinary day. In fact, I felt if anything, everyone was a bit sluggish (myself included) as the PSAT is tomorrow and break is just within our grasp.

Later, a former student (now senior) came by to chat. I had him in class for two years and hadn’t seen him all year so a catch-up was overdue. I asked him how AP Stat was going and he said he loved it and loved the teacher. And then: “You can tell she’s your former student, Mrs. Peterson. She drew a lot of inspiration from you. Good job.”

Lord, I love working with other teachers. I love collaborating with them; I love that feeling of pushing each other to be even better. I love mentoring.

Teaching only calc this year is a dream in a lot of ways. In terms of my time, it’s wonderful and probably what I needed after last year.

But I’m lonely a lot too. I have no one to bounce ideas off of or get excited about activities and projects.

These two conversations today reminded me how important teamwork and mentorship is in this profession. I wouldn’t be where I am without my mentors. I hope I can do the same for others.